Daily News Update

Neglecting to upgrade old light bulbs with LEDs around your home could cost you hundreds of pounds a year.

That’s the suggestion from consumer group Which?, which has outlined the main ways domestic energy users can stop wasting power, heating and cash.

It says running your dishwasher, washing machine or tumble dryer half-full is a common way electricity is wasted – the organisation advises using an eco cycle on your dishwasher to cut energy use by an average of around 16%.

Which? says households should schedule heating to turn off when its not needed, for example, at night or when no one is home, offering potential reductions of more than 50% compared to round-the-clock heating.

It also claims by swapping all the lights in your house to energy-efficient LED versions you could cut £180 from energy bills, compared with a traditional bulb.

Leaving appliances on standby or switched on when not in use can cost households up to £30 per year.

Consumers are advised to stop putting warm food into the fridge or freezer – as well as leaving the door open too long, this can mean the appliance has to work harder and use more energy to remain cold.